Orientation and Mobility Specialist II, Davidson Program for Independence

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary

Wayfinder’s Davidson Program for Independence (DPI) is a comprehensive residential rehabilitation program for adults ages 18 and older who are blind or visually impaired, many with recent vision loss. Participants learn assistive technology, orientation and mobility, braille, and independent living skills. Each client pursues individualized goals that lead to a confident transition to an independent life and education or employment.

The primary focus on the Orientation and Mobility Specialist II, is to organize, plan and implement orientation and mobility services for adults who are blind and visually impaired and who may or may not have additional disabilities. In addition, O&M Specialist I at the Davidson Program for Independence are responsible for planning and implementing financial management curriculum for several students, acting as case managers.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assess each client’s orientation and mobility skills and in collaboration with the client, develop goals to address the client’s orientation and mobility needs.
• Assess each client’s financial management skills and in collaboration with the client, develop goals to address the client’s individual financial management needs. Financial management includes medical needs, pre-vocational skills, and social skills.
• Develop and carry out a program of individualized Orientation and Mobility instruction that may include pre-cane skills, cane skills, concept development, indoor travel, street crossings, travel in a variety of environments, use of public transportation including paratransit, group travel, occasional work with dog guide teams, use of orientation and mobility aids (maps, monoculars, assistive technology), and route planning.
• Develop and carry out a program of individualized Financial Management instruction that may include organization skills, self-advocacy, social services, Department of Rehabilitation, communication, housing, finances and budgeting, medical, pre-vocational, and social skills.
• Emphasize the effective use of any residual vision, tactile and other sensory modes, and reinforces learning associated with other areas of instruction.
• Cooperate and consult with other staff members and appropriate community resources on behalf of the client. Act as an integral member of the rehabilitation team coordinating orientation and mobility skills training and financial management training with other client services.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• A master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in orientation and mobility or a bachelor's degree in a related field with an ACVREP certification in orientation and mobility is required.
• New graduates are welcome to apply.
• Knowledge of all areas of adaptive equipment is required for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of three (3) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Additional Benefits Offered for this role :

• Training and professional development

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.